Family and friends of a man who died after being shot by a police officer are urging more witnesses to come forward.

Lewis Skelton, 31, died as a result of two gunshot wounds after being shot by a police officer in Francis Street in the city centre at 9.30am on November 29, last year.

Police were initially called to Holderness Road after reports of a man carrying an axe in the area. He was tasered before being shot and later died of his injuries in Hull Royal Infirmary.

Now, close friend Eddy Barby and Lewis' family members are setting up a Facebook page to allow further witness to come forward.

"We need witnesses to come forward and to find out what upset Lewis that day," said Mr Barby, 29. "The IPCC have got witnesses to come forward but there are still more people we need to hear from.

"I'm not against the police at all, but we think what they did that day was wrong, and we want to find out the full story. We want justice for Lewis."

The car park has now reopened and police still surround the area. (Image: Kate Woolhouse)

Mr Barby became friends with Lewis during their school days at Kelvin Hall, and their friendship continued until Mr Barby joined the Army two years ago.

The dramatic events in November unfolded close to Mr Skelton's home in Durham Street when police were called to Holderness Road, near the Post Office, at 9.20am. He was later tracked down by police near Freetown Way, where he was seen with an axe.

Mr Skelton was tasered by police but it is understood he continued to approach officers before they opened fire.

The shooting was the second time in the history of Humberside Police that an officer has killed someone. Simon Murden was shot on March 22, 2005 after driving his car the wrong way along the A63.

Mr Barby said: "We know Lewis spoke to people while he was walking with the axe and we want to know what was said.

"We also want to hear from people who spoke to Lewis the day prior to him being killed, so we can find out what it was that upset him so much and the lead up to him doing something that was so out of character.

"The family don't have the strength at the moment to start getting people to come forward, but I know I'm strong enough and want to help get the justice the family needs.

"Lewis was a good lad and he didn't deserve it to end this way. Everyone who knew him knows how much of a good lad he was regardless. He's missed by hundreds of people."

A Facebook page is due to go live in the next couple of days, and people who wish to join can search for 'Justice for Lewis Skelton'.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is continuing its investigation into Mr Skelton's death and says it has spoken to numerous witnesses - but still want to speak to more.

A spokesman told the Mail: "Our independent investigation into the fatal shooting of Lewis Skelton is progressing well.

"We have gathered accounts from officers involved. We have spoken to a significant number of members of the public who came forward after witnessing events that morning, and are grateful for their assistance.

"We would still welcome any further information anyone has that may help our ongoing investigation. We are keeping Mr Skelton's family, Humberside Police and relevant officers informed as the investigation continues."